Test: Newfeel Backenger 10L Bag

A messenger bag that converts into a backpack? I was curious to see the result, which is why I took the Newfeel Backenger 10L to Jordan.

Beyond the exterior design of the bag, which might appeal to some tastes and not to others, we are facing a real exercise in functional design. The basic requirement was: we want a bag that can be carried both as a messenger and in backpack mode with two straps. If we stick to the exercise itself of creating such a bag, I can only commend its designers.

However, regarding actual use, I am significantly less impressed. The bag is large, there are well-thought-out storage options, the bag seems sturdy... The first flaw for me is the shoulder strap itself. The padding for the shoulder is too coarse, rough, and sticky, making the bag uncomfortable to wear unless you have a few layers between your shoulder and the strap.

The second issue that bothers me is the backpack mode: all the contents of the bag tilt 90°, and most importantly, nothing stays in place in the compartments (except for the laptop compartment), as the bag is definitely not designed to be carried in this mode. Additionally, the support for the messenger mode only appears on one side, giving a lopsided feeling to the carrier.

One good point: the transition from messenger mode to backpack mode, once mastered, is quite quick:

Following our rather mixed test of the Backenger, we decided to speak directly with Vincent Gossart, head of Newfeel. We brought up the mentioned issues. After a few constructive exchanges, he wanted his response to be added to our test, which we found entirely appropriate:

First, thank you for this test, the Backenger is new and we are the first to sell this type of innovative 2-in-1 bag. All improvement feedback is, therefore, welcome.

I want to highlight these two important points:

Of course, the Backenger is a hybrid bag, so it will never replace a real backpack in terms of comfort or a true messenger bag in terms of storage and stability.

With the Backenger 10L, I had the same impression as when I discovered Windows 8: a hybrid system that aims to satisfy two different domains, which on paper fulfills its functions but ultimately delivers a product with compromises that render both experiences suboptimal. Nonetheless, I commend the designers for taking on this challenge!